www.AKRDC.org 25 VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 2 | SUMMER 2024 Anna Atchison, second from left, with Leila Kimbrell, Sonia Henrick and Lorali Simon. stage of her career. Atchison gave her frank advice: “I stopped being the one who brings notebooks to meetings, because all of my male peers relied on me to take notes. Stop being the person that does that. If someone asks you to do something administrative because you’re the only woman in the room, nicely decline.” Events like “Women in Resources” are invaluable opportunities to cultivate female power. They accompany what Atchison calls a “turning point” in the resources industry as more women are speaking up and creating opportunities for themselves. “Everything is better with more women in the room.” Increased events and opportunities for women are an important next step — ones that are “real and lasting,” not just photo ops that are checking a diversity box, she says. “Women experience trauma at a level far greater than men, especially in Alaska, and especially if you’re a woman of color. Trauma is with you your entire life, so you don’t feel as comfortable speaking up. You do feel, often, impostor syndrome. You question everything you do. That is part of trauma,” said Atchison. “One of the reasons I feel I can be more open about it is because I’m in a position of leadership. My voice has grown over time.” For now, Atchison continues to raise her voice, and empower other women to do the same. “There are still moments when I still can’t find my voice, but I strive to do better every day.” RDC celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Women in Resources annual reception recently in Juneau. This has become such a special tradition of building relationships between women leaders in our great state. The lifelong friendships and mentoring opportunities between established and emerging professionals that come from this tradition make it one that’s worth continuing. Thank you to all our generous sponsors for the event and to the women who attended and support responsible resource development in Alaska! Here’s to 20 more! BARBARA NORTON WAS BORN IN ANCHORAGE. SHE IS A SENIOR AT POMONA COLLEGE, WHERE SHE STUDIES ENGLISH.
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